City Says Eminent Domain Should Be Approved Against CalPERS For Blocking Arena Progress

The City of Sacramento says the California Public Employees Retirement System has refused to sell property needed for a proposed downtown arena project. The City has asked the City Council to approve the use of eminent domain.

The Sacramento Kings and City of Sacramento have agreed to pay almost all of a $5.5 million fund set aside for arena art for a single piece. Three Kings owners ponied up another $1 million each to commission the work of New York artist Jeff Koons.

Last night, the Sacramento Regional Transit Board of Directors approved moving ahead with improvements for light rail and bus service.

If the Sacramento City Council approves Tuesday night, the Sacramento Kings will take ownership of two downtown land parcels. The team is holding off on six other parcels, in a move that would save them about $74,000 in taxes a year.